by Cheval John

Some media pundits would say ‘if you’re not cheating, you are not trying.’

Many can attest that soccer is the poster child for that statement.

The casual fan sees the majority of players diving or faking an injury in order to get a call from the referee.

They would immediately have a stereotypical view of the sport because of that.

I saw the opposite of that in a match between Everton F.C. and Newcastle United on Monday.

With the game tied at 1-1 in the 64th minute, Everton’s Victor Anichebe was going for the ball on a breakaway to try to score the go-ahead goal.

However, Newcastle’s goalkeeper Steve Harper came out of his box to clear the ball and in the process was clipped by Anichebe.

The referee signaled a foul and it seemed like Anichebe was going to be penalized.

In an instant, Harper told the referee that Anichebe was for the ball and not for him.

Normally in that circumstance, a player would receive a yellow card.

If the foul was really severe, then a red card would be issued and the player would be ejected from the match.

Harper had the opportunity to get Anichebe sent off because the Nigerian forward was playing very well late in the competition.

But he decided to be honest and it kept Anichebe in the game.

That shows that they are some people who are willing to play the right way and do what is right no matter what.

Many would focus on the outcome of the game or the missed calls by the referees.

For me, Harper’s action was the shining moment of the match.